LGS relationships

[GunnyGene]

I've been buying guns and ammo almost exclusively from the same shop for almost 20 years. As a result of this they haven't charged me for the NICS (usually $25 around here) for the last 15 years or so, even tho I don't have a carry permit. In addition I get a 10% military discount on ammo and accessories. It's good to cultivate a relationship with a shop, and probably the main reason I don't buy firearms and ammo from the big stores or on-line.

Just curious if anyone else has a similar relationship with a shop (not counting military or other discounts)?

[BigAl52]

We had one here I traded with for a long time but for many reasons including the online business its hard for them to stay in the game with all the competition. So right now around here there is only one who has been around awhile. Unfortunately the guy who is in charge there isnt someone I want to deal with because of his know it all attitude.

[Shakey Jake]

There's only one mom and pop operation near me and he does a good business. He doesn't give much away but I guess that's how one makes money. The only other close one is a company that has four or five stores in the greater Houston area. I usually go there because it's closer and easier to get to and from.
Jake

[Ernie]

I have shopped at the only gun store left in town for about the last 8 years. The whole family works there and I know them all on a first name basis. They deal fairly with everyone and give me a break on prices. I like the small town atmosphere better than the large stores and I buy most everything there.

[GFK]

I agree, relationships are good. I have not got the family discount yet from the LGS that I deal with. Seems to be a honest family business. Therefore, I try and support them. Have most things that I want, at a price that I am willing to pay. I have not paid for any background checks when purchasing firearms, so I have not complaints.

[Centaur]

I live in a town of under 5000 in a county of under 10000, and the big city of 20000 is 35 miles away. My lgs is where I get 90 percent of my toys, but occasionally I get stuff in the “city “. My local store are very fair, and I don’t mind paying a little more there to help keep them in business.

[cooperhawk]

This is my favorite GS.

https://ahlmans.com

It's locate about an hour away and in a very small town. I've done business there for over
thirty years. It's in the country and they have a range to try before you buy.
On the used guns anyway.

[Grunt67]

I bought my Henry at one of the LGS last year. Bought my Walther at another. Both had to order, as expected.
My problem arises when looking for reloading stuff. The Reloaders Bench 30 miles away gets as much of my business as possible, but like everywhere else, stock is almost nonexistent.
Went by there today. looking for 45/70 brass & primers. Of course there were none.
The LGS here do charge the $10 background check. although I have a permit. Not a big deal.
Most of my reloading stuff comes online, when I can find it.
Lately, neither source is productive.

[JEBar]

we've dealt with the same small LGS since the '70's and agree with the positive benefits of doing so .... with the age and health of the owner, sooner or late it will close and I can only hope we will have purchased all we will ever need before it does

[fortyshooter]

Have one shop I buy my powder and primers and sometimes a new gun but use another much smaller shop for my FFL pick up.

[dave77]

I try to buy local, have never bought ammo online and my recent purchase of my Compact Carry is the only firearm I've purchased online.

Hopefully LGS's won't go the way of local camera stores, our medium sized town used to have 3 camera stores, they've all been gone for quite awhile now, they couldn't compete with the online prices and inventory.

I do buy other items quite a bit online, a lot of stuff on Amazon, etc. just isn't available locally.

[Hatchdog]

My LGS has a great inventory of guns, accessories and (normally) ammo but doesn’t sell reloading components. The best local store (in Spokane) for components closed last year which is too bad. They were in business for decades. There are a few other independently owned shops around but it’s getting more and more like the big boys, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cabela’s and North 40 (a regional feed type store) are taking over.

[GunnyGene]

My LGS has a great inventory of guns, accessories and (normally) ammo but doesn’t sell reloading components. The best local store (in Spokane) for components closed last year which is too bad. They were in business for decades. There are a few other independently owned shops around but it’s getting more and more like the big boys, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cabela’s and North 40 (a regional feed type store) are taking over.

I've noticed that also. It's tough to compete against the Amazon/Walmart types for most anything. When I had a custom woodworking one man shop for about 5 years, there was no way I could compete with the big retailers. People just don't want to, or can't, pay what it takes to keep a small business alive.

[BrokenolMarine]

I had a great long term relationship with the three local shops in the metro area when I was in VA. I bought gear for competition, and ordered ammunition and equipment for the department as a firearms instructor. I also bought guns, gear, and ammunition for personal use. Once I retired, they still considered me as LE, when I bought. When I would come in, they would call my attention to new guns, or used guns they took in trade that fit my needs.

Moving here, I don't know the area, and the one LGS I have had dealings with so far has NOT impressed me. I had found the gun I wanted on their website while still in VA. Once we moved I visited the shop and talked with the owner. He answered several direct questions when I came in to look at it. Then, acted as if he didn't care one way or another if I made the purchase. I told him I would be back in a few days, after I obtained OK ID.

When I did return, he tore himself away from the newspaper, sold me the rifle, four boxes of .308 ammunition, a soft case. Went back to the paper before I left the store. Never looked up again.

I want to find a birdshead single action. I won't be looking there.

[JVogler]

My lgs/ range has been in business for close to 60 years. I don't know who is actual owner but several family members and several generations work there. I try and buy as much as I can from them however they don't stock reloading supplies. They take care of me as best They can.

[daytime dave]

The place I purchased the majority of my collection from went out of business about 15 years ago. They were a great place that went under for many reasons.

Now, I deal with the wonderful father and son team that is third down at the top right of the screen. Right under Skinner sights and Henry Repeating Arms. I haven't known them as long as the other place, but I am as loyal to them. They are my kind of folks.